Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This guide provides an overview of IBD, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and how to manage living with it.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD refers to conditions that cause long-term inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Crohn’s disease: Can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, but most commonly affects the small intestine and colon. Inflammation can occur in all layers of the bowel wall.
- Ulcerative colitis: Affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum, with inflammation limited to the innermost lining of the bowel.
IBD is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a different condition that does not involve inflammation.
Background on IBD
- History: IBD was first described in medical literature in the 19th century and has since become a focus of extensive research due to its increasing prevalence.
- Global Impact: IBD is a significant public health issue due to its chronic nature and impact on quality of life.
Causes, Incidence, and Prevalence
Causes
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it is thought to result from a combination of factors:
- Immune System Dysfunction: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the digestive tract.
- Genetics: A family history of IBD increases your risk. Specific genetic mutations have been linked to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Environmental Factors: Diet, stress, smoking, and exposure to certain infections may trigger or worsen symptoms.
Incidence and Prevalence
- Incidence: Around 10–20 new cases per 100,000 people are diagnosed annually worldwide.
- Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 250 people in Europe and North America live with IBD. Rates are rising globally, particularly in newly industrialised countries.
Who is Affected?
- Age of Onset: Most commonly diagnosed between ages 15 and 35, but it can occur at any age.
- Gender: Both men and women are equally affected.
- Ethnicity: People of European descent have higher rates of IBD, but it is increasingly being diagnosed in other populations as well.
Geographic Distribution
IBD is more prevalent in developed countries, particularly in North America and Europe, possibly due to dietary patterns and environmental factors.
How Does IBD Impact You?
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on whether you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis but may include:
- Persistent diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus).
- Abdominal pain or cramping.
- Fatigue or low energy levels.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Rectal bleeding (more common in ulcerative colitis).
Other symptoms may include joint pain, skin problems, or eye inflammation due to the systemic nature of IBD.
Living With IBD
Living with IBD often involves managing flare-ups (periods when symptoms worsen) and periods of remission (when symptoms improve). The condition can affect daily activities, work, relationships, and mental health.
Expected Life Expectancy
With appropriate treatment and management, most people with IBD have a normal life expectancy.
Managing and Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Available Treatments
While there is no cure for IBD, treatments aim to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications:
- Medications:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): Reduce inflammation in mild-to-moderate cases (e.g., mesalazine).
- Corticosteroids: Used for short-term relief during flare-ups but not recommended for long-term use due to side effects.
- Immunosuppressants: Suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation (e.g., azathioprine).
- Biologic Therapies: Target specific molecules involved in inflammation (e.g., infliximab or adalimumab). These are often used for moderate-to-severe cases.
- JAK Inhibitors: Newer oral medications like tofacitinib are available for some patients with ulcerative colitis.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Eat a balanced diet tailored to your needs during flare-ups or remission.
- Quit smoking if you have Crohn’s disease; smoking worsens symptoms.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counselling.
- Surgery:
- For Crohn’s disease: Surgery may be needed to remove damaged sections of the digestive tract.
- For ulcerative colitis: Removal of the colon may be considered if other treatments fail.
Ongoing Clinical Research
Research into IBD continues to explore new treatments and ways to improve quality of life for patients:
- Microbiome Studies: Investigating how gut bacteria influence inflammation in IBD.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Exploring whether stem cells can repair damaged tissue.
- Personalised Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on genetic or molecular markers.
- For information on clinical trials related to IBD, visit gov.
Support Groups and Resources
If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, connecting with support groups can provide valuable information and emotional support:
- Crohn’s & Colitis UK (org.uk) – Offers resources for managing life with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA) (org)– Provides advocacy for people living with IBD across Europe.
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (USA) (org)– Focuses on education and research for those affected by IBD.
- IBD Relief (com)– An online community offering practical advice for living with IBD.
Remember:
This information is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
